'Balde stays at Celtic'

Bobo Balde is set to commit himself to Celtic until the end of the season at least, according to his agent.

The French-born Guinea international had looked increasingly likely to make a January transfer-window move to Middlesbrough, after undergoing a medical at the Riverside while keeping his own club waiting over their contract offer.

There was still some uncertainty today as to what the 29-year-old will do in the long term, but it appears he will see out the rest of the season with the Scottish champions.

His agent Barry Silkman told the Press Association: “As far as I understand, he is not going anywhere at the moment.

“I really don’t know what he’s decided, because I am waiting for my colleague to get back to me.

“He was with him early on and sent me a text message about 45 minutes ago saying that ‘Balde stays at Celtic’.”